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FIRSTS by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

I was intrigued by FIRSTS when it came across my desk as an ARC. I started reading the first chapter...and then I couldn't stop. Not only does this book have great characterization and voice, but it tactfully handles a difficult topic, and will…
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THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES by Rebecca Podos

I first met Rebecca Podos when she took part in one of Operation Awesome's Mystery Agent contests. About year and a half later, I stumbled upon her starred review in Booklist, and immediately ordered THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES for my library…
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THE BLUE WOODS by Nicole Maggi

Last year, I featured Nicole Maggi's Twin Willows series. I also had a chance to meet her at the American Library Association (ALA) conference last June:She's doing an excellent job of modeling the first two Twin Willows books.The final book…
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WE ARE THE ANTS and VIOLENT ENDS by Shaun David Hutchinson

When these books passed by my desk, I was so impressed with the writing in both that I knew I had to feature them. Shaun's WE ARE THE ANTS offers a wry look at a possible apocalypse when Henry Denton is given a choice to press a button and end…
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THE SUSPECT’S DAUGHTER, Book 4 in the Rogue Hearts series by Donna Hatch

Looks like December is turning into a month full of Book Fours! I featured Book Three of Donna Hatch's Rogue Hearts series last year, and Book Four, THE SUSPECT'S DAUGHTER, released last week on December 15:Determined to help her father with…
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MANNERS & MUTINY, Book 4 in the Finishing School series by Gail Carriger

I've been a fan of Gail Carriger ever since I learned of her first novel, SOULLESS, and saw her post on what authors can expect after they sell their first book. Since then, she's published a ton of great steampunk novels that are loaded with…
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THE NEVERSEEN, Book 4 in The Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger

I'm excited to feature Shannon Messenger a week after I featured Suzanne Young, and not just because they're both fabulous authors. I also met them practically at the same time during the ALA conference last June.I bought the THE NEVERSEEN for…
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HOTEL RUBY and THE PROGRAM by Suzanne Young

I first met Suzanne Young at the ALA Annual Conference last June. Since then, I've purchased her newest debut, HOTEL RUBY, and her bestselling series, The Program, for my library system. Each setting offers a compelling premise:When Audrey…
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RIDE THE WIND and SPARK by Starla Huchton

I met Starla at this year's UTopYA conference (now known as Utopia Con), and was immediately taken by her cover art. Her newest book, RIDE THE WIND, debuted November 2, and is the latest in her Flipped Fairy Tales series. Have a look:From Goodreads:Once…
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WILLFUL MACHINES by Tim Floreen

I met Tim at this year's NCIBA (Northern California Independent Booksellers Association) Conference, and remembered his novel WILLFUL MACHINES from when it came across my library desk. It's a great science fiction story, and a unique take on…